Why You Should Become a Luxury Travel Advisor

If you think a career as a travel agent is a thing of the past, you’re not alone. But despite speculation that it has gone the way of the dinosaurs, the travel industry is booming. Now more than ever is the time to start your career as a luxury travel agent (ahem – advisor).

Need convincing? Here’s why you should become a luxury travel advisor (& here is how to do it!)

TRAVELERS NEED HELP

The Internet offers so much information that it has become simply overwhelming. Exhibit A: Google “Caribbean resort”. You get over 19 BILLION results. (Ain’t nobody got time for that!) Blame it on the Paradox of Choice, but people need a travel advisor to eliminate the endless options and propose fewer options that fit their budget and needs.

Leisure time is one of our most precious, non-renewable resources, and we don’t have time to sift through millions of search results. A travel advisor ensures travelers make the most of their time before (and during) the trip.

LIVE AND BREATHE YOUR PASSION

If the thought of boarding a plane or experiencing a new destination makes your heart beat a little faster and every thought is “where am I going next?”, you love travel. So why not live and breathe your passion by starting a career in travel? Though it’s not all globetrotting, you spend a lot of time* learning about the world and staying up to date on the new hotel openings, industry trends, and emerging destinations.

*We’re not kidding. Research + planning luxury custom vacations = a lot of office time. Something to consider before becoming a travel advisor.

TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES

Research is great, but in order to really understand a destination, a travel advisor needs to experience it first hand. Enter educational travel. Many host agencies offer opportunities to travel, or you can plan it on your own. During these EDUs, your destination host shows you the property and educates you on the different room categories, the location, the dining, and more. And with technology, you can stay connected and work from just about everywhere!

*Jetsetting to the best resorts and hotels in destinations around the world sounds glamorous, but as mentioned above, travel advisors spend most of their time researching, planning, and booking. This is not the industry to join so you can travel the world for free 24/7.

FRIENDS ALL OVER THE WORLD

A successful luxury travel advisor has a global network of travel partners. The more you work with them, the more they become friends rather than work contacts. And suddenly your small circle of friends includes people around the globe.

A REWARDING CAREER

Travel creates memories that last a lifetime — and as a travel advisor, you get to be a part of that. Whether it’s ensuring a hotel pulls out all the stops for a milestone birthday or arranging a truly life changing adventure, these special moments resonate more than any physical item ever could.

To learn about the Brownell Mentoring Program, the industry’s best education program for new travel advisors, click here!

The Travel Life

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Testimonials

I count my lucky stars that I work with Brownell

“There is no agency better than Brownell! Our Hosting Team is there to hold our hands through the good and the bad. What a huge support group we have! I count my lucky stars every day that I am fortunate to be working for Brownell. The hosting staff is such a comforting and hands on team. They are positive reinforcements of acknowledging when we excel and encourage us to grow our business by having the opportunities to travel and experience the wonderful hotels and resorts we sell worldwide.”

Caroline Wallace, Richmond, VA

The support when I travel gives me great peace of mind

” Brownell Hosting offers support to IC’s that are traveling and need assistance with coverage. This gives me great peace of mind!”

Stephanie Miller Murphy, Mandeville, LA

The best support an IC could ask for. Bar NONE.

“Brownell Hosting offers the best support an IC could ask for. Bar NONE. They make me feel like there is no stupid question and help me feel like i’m actually working in the office instead of from my home. They actually listen to suggestions and implement changes.”

Louisa Gehring, Cincinnati, OH

I have reached goals beyond my expectations

“I wanted to convert my love for travel, marketing skills, client service skills, and technology background into a career. Fortunately, Brownell’s mentoring program allowed me to do just that and allowed me to reach goals that were beyond my expectations. An unexpected bonus of joining Brownell has been becoming part of an organization where each part of the team is truly supportive of my efforts and is interested in my ongoing success. Brownell’s methods and techniques serve as a daily inspiration.”

Linda Terrill, Atlanta, GA

Constant support, encouragement and super-fast response times

“The best things about the Brownell Hosting are the constant support, encouragement and super-fast response times. And, of course, the hosting team. LOVE.THEM.ALL!!! Brownell is so special and the support IC’s receive is unbelievable!! I feel so immensely blessed to be a part of the Brownell family!!!”

Martha King, Signal Mountain,TN

The sky is the limit here!

“Brownell Hosting is the gold standard in host agency programs. From the onboard training to the day-to-day support, the hosting team offers best practice strategies and industry insight to ensure I stand apart in the marketplace. Even as a home-based advisor, I feel incredibly connected with not just the hosting team but the entire Brownell Family. There is a collaborative and supportive environment among the advisors which truly gives me an advantage in designing client travel experiences. I am so proud to be affiliated with such a prestigious agency. The sky is the limit here!”

Irene Quisenberry, Tampa, FL

The support and education is amazing

“I love the hosting program because the support and education is amazing! The support team is so enthusiastic and passionate, it is a continuing inspiration. Makes me want to work harder and better!”

Catherine Whitworth, Athens, GA

An incredible opportunity to join the industry as a newbie

“The mentoring program was an incredible opportunity to join one of the premier travel agencies in the world as a complete newbie. Brownell’s staff was always available and willing to help with the countless questions I had during my first year. Being mentored by the top travel professionals in the industry contributed immensely to the success that I am now enjoying.”

David Ourisman, Berkeley, CA

We could not do this without you!

“The Mentoring Program gave us the chance and the training to start a business AND the continued support to grow that businesss. We could not do this without you!”

King & Whitson, Chattanooga, TN & Washington, VA Washington, VA

Brownell ICs are the Best

Your Brownell IC’s are the very best I have ever met. Congratulations on your excellent Brownell program.

Evelyn Weber, Manager, Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France

Susan-Teeple-Brownell-Independent-Advisor

I don't know how you do it

“I really don’t know how you do it, but the common denominator in all Brownell Advisors is that they are all the BEST PEOPLE IN THE WORLD!!!!!!”

Susan Teeple, Amarillo, TX

I am loving every minute of my new career

“The Mentorship program is amazing! I am loving every minute of my new career.”

Kristen Nix, Whitefish, MT

The mentoring program was critical

“The Brownell mentoring program was critical to the successful launch of my travel business. It was a year well-spent learning the ins and outs of the industry and the Virtuoso network. When I graduated from the program, I felt fully integrated into the company and was ready to take my business to the next level.”

Katherine Gould, Richmond, VA

Brownell is the best in the industry

“Brownell is the best in the industry. The staff, back end support, superlative processes and response times are tops.”

Jennifer Royster, Clemmons, NC

Beyond Helpful

“Wow – seriously yall, this is amazing! We are all so lucky to have such a proactive and innovating hosting team. Thanks so much for continually evolving and assisting us to the best of your ability. Seriously, what yall think of and how organized you are is beyond helpful! Yall are awesome!”

Blaire Kochar, Houston, TX

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